HomeMy WebLinkAbout06281972-cc_CCv0002.pdf MINUTES of an adjourned regular meeting of the City Council, City of Red,
held in the Council Chambers; Safety Hall, 212 Brookside Avenue,
June 28, 1972 at 7: 30 P.M.
IPRESENT Jack B. Cummingsi Mayor
Charles G- DeMirivn- Vine Mavor
Mayor Cummings called this adjourned meeting of the City Council to
order at 7: 30 P.M. , welcomed the many people present in the audience,
and explained that the meeting was called because an impasse in nego-
tiations had arisen between the Redlands Police Officer Association
and the City negotiating committee. Mayor Cummings briefly explained
the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act, which requires that cities meet and confel
with appointed representatives of employee organizations .
Mayor Cummings explained that Mr . Stephen Silver, representing the
Redlands Police Officer Association, would speak first, that MX. Merrift
would follow, that police employees would be heard, and that citizens
present in the audience would also be heard.
Mr. Cummings pointed out that this was not a public hearing, and re-
quested courteous attention to all speakers.
City Attorney Taylor gave a brief outline of the Meyers-Milias-Brown
Act and explained that prior to tonight ' s meeting representatives of
the City Council and representatives of the police organization, in
accordance with the city resolution and the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act
had conferred for many hours and been unable to reach agreement.
Mr. Silver's suggestion that the Council adjourn to Grace Mullen
Auditorium to provide more seating was considered. City Attorney
Taylor pointed out that the meeting was noticed for this evening and
this location. Council briefly discussed the arrangements, which in-
cluded speakers in the outer area, and pointed out that during times
of other crowded hearings the Council had not ever moved to other lo-
cations . Councilman Miller moved that the Council remain in the
Chambers, and added that no notice had been given of request for a
move to other quarters . Councilman Sewall seconded the motion, which
was adopted unanimously.
Mr. Silver gave his reasons for representing the Redlands Police as
being a ten percent turnover, morale problems, and concern of the of-
ficers with their futures. Mr. Silver described the survey conducted
by the City of fourteen adjoining cities, and stated that the police
requested to be brought to equality with the average salary paid in
adjoining cities. Mr. Silver stressed the need for qualified, dedi-
cated police in furnishing high caliber police protection for citizens,
their families and property, and expressed the opinion that the citi-
zens ( presence here proved that they were willing to support the ser-
vices which he believed should be bought at "fair market value" , not
at the"cheapest price" . Mr. Silver recommended that the City establial
a series of budget priorities , which would place the police request
high in importance, and commented that the 5% increase which had been
accepted by the Miscellaneous Employees and the Professional Fire-
accepted the City' s offer of a 5% across-the-board increase with
benefits , Mr. Merritt stressed the responsibility of the Counci
consider all services to the citizens, the cost of these service
equitable salary to employees, and the City's responsibility to
with its means. Mr. Merritt stated that it has never been the p
of the City of Redlands to pay premium salaries to its employees
that the current turnover remains stable, with many applications
file. The total employee cost, including fringe benefits, for e
police employee was shown. The total obligations for the first
and the obligation for the second year of the Police Association
poral was converted to show the increase on the tax roll.
In summary, Mr. Merritt stated that it was the concern of the st
that internal alignment of salaries be maintained and equality b
guaranteed for all employees .
Police personnel speaking in support of the request were:
Sergeant Dirk Brinkman, Patrolman Barry Bruins ; Captain Warren E
who stressed the high caliber of the police personnel presently
for many years past; Officer Donald Holland, who presented his r
nation from the force; ex-officer Les Davidson, who emphasized t
of uniforms to the officer and pointed out that for the first ye
his employment it costs $80 per month to purchase and maintain b
uniform; Chief Robert Graefe, who expressed concern about police
and the ability of the department to attract and retain the calf
men desired; and Mr. Fritz Zeiney.
Councilman DeMirjyn pointed out that when Chief Graefe was hired
years ago he recommended a 1020/o raise for police personnel and a
time the City awarded a 7�% raise.
Mr. James Ferguson, representing the San Bernardino County Taxpa
Association, presented a comprehensive independent survey survey
salaries and the City's ability to pay. These statistics were p
rented on a percentage basis . The results of this survey recomo
5% raises for police officer and detective and 7.6% raises for s
lieutenants and captains . Mr. Ferguson pointed out the high rat
two-to-one for administrative personnel. Mr. Ferguson explained
high tax rate in Redlands as due to the lack of industry and the
that Redlands is a bedroom community.
Speaking from the audience in behalf of the request were:
Mr. Clark DeRoo; Reverend Ira Hall; Mr. Howard Fuller; Mr. Glen
representative of the Redlands Jaycees; Mrs . Ruth Patton, Mr. Mi
Pattison, son of Captain Pattison; Mr. Frank Moore; Mrs . Candy S
Mrs . Brunick; and Dr. Loren Muth.
Councilman Knudsen stated that if Council is considering granting an
increase that is not in the budget, study must be given to the
situation. Councilman DeMirjyn stated that he is in sympathy but can-
not give a number figure at this point, and added that he has been
concerned over this matter for six years.
Councilman Sewall stated that the matter is presented in a different
way, and although the Council has considered the presentations by the
City staff, they would like time to consider this prior to the next
Council meeting. on motion of Councilman Sewall, seconded by Council-
man Miller, this matter was scheduled to be considered by the Council
at the next Council meeting. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Silver announced that he and representatives of the police will be
available to meet with the City in the meantime in an attempt to
resolve problems.
There being no further business, the Council adjourned on motion,
at 10: 25 P.M. '
Next regular meeting, July 5, 1972.
Z' Ayor of the City of 4kedlands
!Yrk-
0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0